Situated between Babbacombe and Torquay, Anstey’s is a small cove with a peaceful, shingle beach nestled between high cliffs and backed with a thickly wooded hillside.
It was a favourite beach of Agatha Christie who used to visit for moonlit picnics, and who is said to have had a romantic liaison with Amyas Boston, an RAF airman, at Anstey’s Cove. However, she not only rejected his advances but also used his name for a character in her novel, Five Little Pigs‚ who is murdered with the poison coniine, an alkaloid extracted from hemlock.
The area is now popular with rock climbers, with the compact limestone and distinctive rock formations providing plenty of opportunities for all disciplines of climbing, including desperate, deep water soloing, bouldering, and sport climbing. The rocky coastline also means it’s a great place to try coasteering.
For divers and snorkellers, the cove’s sheltered waters and labyrinth of underwater rocks are full of life. Look out for cat sharks, jellyfish, and cuttlefish.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there are deckchairs available to hire, and a licensed café that serves snacks, ice cream, cakes, and freshly ground coffee, as well as a small range of Devon ciders and ales. Kayaks and paddle boards can also be hired from the café during the summer season, while the clean water is excellent for paddling and bathing,
The South West Coastal Path that runs along the top of the cliffs offers breathtaking views, and the chance to spot birds, butterflies, and rare plants along the walk to Torquay or Babbacombe.
Access to the beach is via a steep slope and steps which aren’t accessible for wheelchairs.
